16 Messages
subchannels not showing in correct aspect ratio
I've noticed that since yesterday, a lot of the digital subchannels of local channels are now showing letterboxed, basically with the picture in the middle of the screen. And it's only on some channels, not all. How did this happen?
XfinityAirelle
Official Employee
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2.5K Messages
2 months ago
@gw1594
We appreciate you bringing this to our attention! It sounds like some digital sub-channels might be experiencing an issue with how their aspect ratio is being transmitted. Since it’s affecting only certain channels, this could be related to how the local broadcasters are sending the signal rather than something on our end.
A few things you can try in the meantime:
If the issue persists, let us know and we will be happy to look intot his further.
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ThatDonGuy
Problem Solver
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824 Messages
2 months ago
The first thing you need to do is, determine which channels are doing it, and then see if they have a common "parent channel" source - like Airelle said, the problem is probably at their end.
Also, by "letterboxed", do you mean the entire picture is surrounded by black? The "traditional" definition of "letterbox" - having black bars on the top and bottom so a widescreen image, like a movie, could fit on a 4x3 TV screen - doesn't really apply to widescreen HDTVs.
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Gw1594
16 Messages
2 months ago
It's not on the TV stations' end. I know that because I also have an antenna that I can tune in on, and it's not a problem there. And maybe I shouldn't say letterboxed, because the entire picture is surrounded by black. And also, this may be a different topic, but when using the antenna and tuning to HD channels, the picture is actually slightly better with the antenna. Isn't that pathetic?
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Hemi101
Regular Visitor
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12 Messages
2 months ago
Same thing is happening for me! Aspect ratio is ok with sub channels thru the DVR box, but not with streaming thru the wifi box and the (now new) replacement X16 box or my stream app. I trued the wifi tv box on my other tv and it’s the same issue! This started approximately 01/29/2025 give or take a couple days. I have my own high end Xfinity compatible modem also which has always worked better than Xfinity’s modem for wifi distance and not needing wifi extenders. Never had a tv issue either till now!
I suspect they are trying to force us to use there modem and extenders?
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Gw1594
16 Messages
2 months ago
Interestingly. I only have a Wi-Fi box and not a so-called DVR box. Maybe I should get one, but I have a stupid question. Does a DVR box need to have a cable connection, or can it work off Wi-Fi as well?
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user_xldu7p
19 Messages
2 months ago
Same issue here, probably posted this in the wrong forum. Here's a link to my post and followups from Xfinity:https://forums.xfinity.com/conversations/x1/sd-channels-now-in-windowbox-format/67a3db741325177375444420
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user_bd568d
1 Message
4 days ago
Recently, I’ve been having the same issue in Florida. The vertical bars on the bottom and top consume 30 percent of the screen, messing up the classic tv channels. Is there anyone suggesting a solution?
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